Risk Assessment Form

Walk location

/ Date

Assessment carried out by

Please tick all hazards that apply to this route and cross through those that do not. Where a hazard is present, please add a location. The grey sections will then need to be read for all present hazards.

Hazard / Who might be harmed /

How is the risk controlled

/
Traffic/roads
Please add walk specific details (e.g. Names of specific roads): / All walkers / ·  Warn walkers in pre-walk talk
·  Cross at safer places (e.g. zebra crossings)
·  Keep group together
·  Wear hi-vis vests
Dual use paths (e.g. cycling and walking)
Name of path:
Where on route: / All walkers, particularly those with sensory impairments / ·  Inform group at the beginning of the walk if any of the route will be on shared use paths
·  Keep to one side of the path, check the group is not drifting across path
·  Ask walkers to help warn others of bikes approaching
·  Take extra care when crossing
Dogs mess / All, particularly children / ·  Warn in pre-walk talk
·  Warn as necessary on route
Dogs / All, particularly those fearful of dogs / ·  Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on route
·  Keep nervous walkers away from dogs and warn dog owner to keep dog away from group
·  If dogs are allowed on walks they should be kept on a lead at all times
Over hanging branches / All / ·  Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on route.
Weather
Add specific details (e.g. very exposed?): / All, particularly those that are frailer and aren’t dressed appropriately / ·  Check walkers’ clothing at beginning of walk
·  Take water, hats, rain coats, etc.
·  Be aware of places to shelter
·  Abandon walk if necessary
Other people / All / ·  Keep walking group together
·  Be considerate of others - avoid blocking entrance ways and paths
·  Move past any potentially threatening group avoiding eye contact
·  Carry an attack alarm, should you feel there is cause to do so.
·  Have a charged mobile to hand
Slips, trips and falls
Please note specifics (e.g. running water nearby, slippery/uneven path etc.): / All walkers particularly those with balance difficulties/mobility issues / ·  Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on route
·  Help walkers around muddy spots, narrow paths, etc.
·  Abandon walk if path accessibility is very bad
Inclines
Please note specifics: / All walkers, particularly those with heart problems e.g. Angina / ·  Warn in pre-walk talk
·  Be aware of walkers’ health needs
·  Allow everyone to take inclines at their own pace
·  Remind walkers to take and use medication if necessary
·  Rest at hill tops and wait for group
Stiles / All, particularly those with balance difficulties/ mobility issues / ·  Warn in pre-walk talk
·  Help walkers as necessary over stiles
New walkers / All, particularly the new walker / ·  Read through health check questionnaire with the new walker
·  Share relevant disclosed health information with other leaders
·  Be extra vigilant whilst walking
·  Buddy new walker with a regular walker or another walk leader
·  Accompany the new walker back to base if necessary
Watercourses / All / ·  Warn in pre-walk talk
·  Ask walkers to keep away from edges with no barriers
·  Bring walkers attention to warning signs and life rings
Other

Based on a document originally produced by Walk for Health Bristol.